Okay this is my first fanfic, but um i dunno how it goes, so um please leave review if you can,

-Disclaimer i don't own hunger games, or any of the characters-

"Ladies first!" Calls Effie Trinket. Through the crowd my eyes quickly spot Katniss. I sigh heavily, hoping her name is not the one to be reaped. She meant so much to me; I just never had the heart to tell her. I paid no attention to Effie walk across stage, only did my eyes dart toward her when she called the name. "Primrose Everdeen."

Her scream, the pain in her voice as she called out her sister's name. "Prim!" I watch the crowd open a passage way as she walks toward the stage, calling out her sister's name once more. "Prim!" She mounts the steps of the stage, gently pushing her sister back. Her next words hit me like a ton of bricks. "I volunteer!" She gasps; I do as well but in terror. "I volunteer as a tribute!"

She causes confusion, not only on the stage and in the crowd, but in my mind. I stared up at the stage; I could see their lips moving, although it was inaudible. All I managed to hear was "Prim let go!" Her voice disrupted my train of thought and I made my way toward the stage as well. It pained me to see her cry; it being very rare made it unbearable to watch. "Let go!" she spat out.

I pick up her sister, as she kicks and scratches. Katniss turns around and stares. "Up you go Catnip." I whisper, trying to keep my voice as steady as I could. I walk away, Prim still kicking in protest. I walk toward her mother and place her sister next to her. Prim quickly hugs her mother, warming a place in my heart, only for a second though as the horrific pictures of horrible things that could happen to Catnip rush into my mind.

"Well Bravo! That's the sprit of the games!" She seemed please of the scene before her, if only she knew… "What's your name?"

I watch Katniss build the courage up and finally croak out "Katniss Everdeen."

"I bet my buttons that was your sister. Don't want her to steal all the glory, do we? Come on everybody! Let's give a big round of applause to our newest tribute!" squeals Effie.

No one claps. No one moves. For a second it seems as everyone has stopped breathing entirely. I follow after everyone else, placing my three fingers on my lips and pointing it out toward Katniss. It was a gesture. Old, odd, and rarely seen. I couldn't get my mind off the fact that I had done that just now, said good-bye to Catnip, as if I would never see her again.

Never again. Those words, hang on to me for awhile. Less then five minutes to be exact when I hear my name being called. At first I think it's my mother, but when I turned toward her she's broken down, tears streaming down her cheeks like a waterfall. I realize I had been called. Me! The male tribute for the games. I slowly inch toward the stage.

On my way up the steps I notice one soul breaking thing; Katniss, crying once more.

I couldn't sleep, not with all the pressure of the Games, having Katniss to compete against it was all too much. As I walked past her room I heard soft quiet sobs, hearing footsteps from behind I quickly opened the door to her compartment and closed it just as fast. I heard her gasp and try to cover her almost nude body with her blanket. "G-Gale? What are you doing here so late at night?"

I walked toward her, watching her struggle to cover herself as much as possible. Taking a seat on the edge of her 'capitol' bed, I whispered. "I can't sleep." I can feel her shifting her position so her hands are hugging her knees.

"I can't ether…" she whispers. I scoot back and bang my head on the wall. "Gale…" She starts. I quickly gaze into her eyes and she looks away. "I can't believe out of all people you got picked." She said almost inaudibly.

I sigh in disbelief. "You think it's not the same way over here?" She whimpers and I wrap my arm around her. "Okay, I'll say here all night with you, as long as you fall asleep. I'll be here the moment you wake up… I swear." She smiles and lies down on the bed. And gradually fall asleep.

"Up, up, up! It's going to be a big, big day!" I hear Effie yell. I noticed Katniss was still sound asleep; she looks so cute when she sleeps.

"Catnip!" I say silently. "Catnip! Wake up!" Her eyes slowly flutter open and I put on one of my goofiest smiles. She laughs; which is also rare to see, and gives me a hug.

"Gale, I had the worst nightmare… I dreamt that Prim's name was called, and I volunteered and then that your name was called as well." I stayed quiet awhile and she seemed to notice, that this wasn't a nightmare. "Ohh…" she whispered.

I nodded silently and walked out of the room. I stuff my hands in my pocket and walk towards the dinning car, where Haymitch is sitting. His face was puffy and red, and he looked not a minute over sober. I walked across the table to take a seat as far from him as possible. "You like her don't you?" He asked.

"NO! I don't!' I whisper shout. He just laughs.

"Don't worry princess I won't tell, just some advice… don't…" I gave him a questioning look before he looked up and greeted Katniss. "Sit down! Sit down!" He says. My face heats up gradually as she slides down into the seat next to me. Nether of us talk for a while. We just enjoy as much food as we can for now.

"So, your supposed to give us advice," Katniss say breaking the silent.

"Here's some advice. Stay alive." Then he burst out laughing.